2004-2013 BMW 3-Series Jump Start Instructions
Can’t get to start your BMW because of a dead battery? This article provides guidelines on how to jump-start your BMW 3-Series. This guide applies to BMW year models from 2004 until 2013.
Symptoms
- The BMW engine won’t start.
- The engine won’t crank.
- Clicking noise but not starting.
What you will need
- Portable jump box
or - Jumper or Booster Cables
Procedure
- Switch the ignition off and remove the key. BMW vehicles are very sensitive to voltage sparks, and the BMW 3-Series is no exception. To avoid electrical problems, start by removing the key from the ignition.

- Open the hood. Locate the hood release underneath the dash. Pull the lever until you hear the hood pop open. Next, release the hood safety latch at the middle front of the hood.

- Locate the terminals on the passenger side of the engine where you can jump-start your BMW 3-Series.

- Connect Positive; attach the red (positive) cable to the positive jump start terminal. Using another car to jump-start your BMW 3-Series, you will connect the red clamp.

- Connect the black (negative) cable to the ground post, which is the negative terminal.

- Start Engine. You are now ready to start your BMW using a jump box. If you use jumper cables to start the car, proceed to the following steps.

- The red jumper cable clamps to the positive battery terminal of the donor vehicle and the positive jump-start terminal of the disabled car.

- Negative jumper cable: attach one end to the negative terminal of the donor vehicle and the other side to the bare metal of the engine block of the disabled car.
- Start the donor vehicle, let it charge for a few minutes, then start the disabled car.
These instructions will help owners of the following BMW models:
- 316i
- 318i
- 320i
- 323i
- 325i
- 325xi
- 328i
- 328xi
- 330i
- 330xi
- 335i
- 335is
- 335xi
- 320d
- 320xd
- 325d
- 330d
- 330xd
- 335d
- M3
- M3 GTS
We hope you find the 2004-2013 BMW 3-Series Jump Start Instructions guide helpful. For more help with your BMW, check these troubleshooting and repair guides.
No subscriptions • lifetime updates
🔧 Stop paying the dealer for every warning light
Get dealer level diagnostics at home with the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner.
- ✔ Works with all makes and models, including most luxury brands
- ✔ Topology map view shows all vehicle modules on one screen for faster diagnostics
- ✔ Bi directional controls to test fans, pumps, actuators and more so you do not have to guess
- ✔ Special resets and calibrations such as ABS bleed, EPB service, battery registration and more
- ✔ Free lifetime updates with no recurring fees







